As South Africans seek new lives and opportunities abroad, many remain unaware that their tax obligations at home will continue to follow them until they formally cut tax ties with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Ceasing to be a South African tax resident with SARS is a critical step for expatriates who do not…
For many taxpayers, especially expatriates, managing South African tax obligations from a distance can be complicated. Years may pass without any direct interaction with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and key details like contact information, banking details, and tax number status often become outdated. These issues should not be left by the wayside. It…
South Africans who have worked abroad and accumulated foreign retirement funds, or foreign nationals who become South African tax residents, need to urgently be aware that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) now wants taxing rights on their foreign retirement funds. This proposed amendment is set to come into effect on 1 March 2026. Retirement…
On 28 July 2025 the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued another notice specifically aimed at South Africans abroad concerning their tax residency status. It deals with how an individual who is a non-resident taxpayer on the SARS system, should complete their tax return this filing season. While SARS announced enhancements to this year’s ITR12…
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is not beating around the bush with sharpening its focus on South African expatriate taxpayers as part of efforts to curb non-compliance that contributes to billions in lost tax revenue annually. Recent enhancements to SARS’ systems and record-keeping around tax residency status, send a clear message to South Africans…
For South African residents and expatriates living abroad, reaching the R1 million annual limit of offshore spending allowed under exchange control regulations, can happen far more quickly than expected. This can soon land them in hot water with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) who closely monitors funds flowing out of South Africa. While traditional…
South African expatriates living and working abroad are firmly in the Tax Man’s sights. Recent enhancements clearly indicate the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is increasing its focus on the importance of expatriates legally confirming the basis on which they cease their tax residency status in South Africa to benefit from a reduced income tax…
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced enhancements to its record-keeping of taxpayers’ tax residency status this coming tax filing season, taking direct aim at returning South African expatriates. This move sends a clear message to expats who previously ceased tax residency that their re-entry into South Africa will now be closely monitored whilst…
It is not to say that all South Africans who have started a new life overseas – whether for an extended period or permanently – have or want to sever all ties with their country of birth. Many still have bank accounts and pension money in South Africa or may want to buy property here…
The fact that several countries abroad do not let you have a braai whenever and wherever you want, is not on its own the reason why South African expats return home after many years abroad. But when added to factors like cultural differences, the lack of traditional support structures, and the high cost of living…
